Protective Window For Medical Device Faceplates

ABSTRACT

Devices are provided that include a protective window integrated with a faceplate for a medical device. In embodiments, a machine-readable identifier adapted to be affixed to an interior portion of a medical device is viewable via a window of a faceplate. Accordingly, the machine-readable identifier is protected from damage during use of the medical device. And, in embodiments, the machine-readable identifier encodes medical-device identifying information to enable tracking the medical device to which it is affixed. As such, should the faceplate require repair or be changed, the machine-readable identifier remains intact and affixed to the medical device. Further embodiments include a device including a faceplate that has a visual signifier of an interiorly placed radio-frequency identifier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/819,057 filed Aug. 5, 2015 and entitled “Protective Window forMedical Device Faceplates” (now U.S. Pat. No. ______ issued ______).U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/819,057 is hereby incorporated byreference as if set forth in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Barcodes and other machine-readable identifiers are generally used totrack the use, maintenance, and movement of medical devices within ahospital or clinical setting. However, barcodes and othermachine-readable identifiers are often printed onto adhesive-backedlabels that may be affixed to medical devices, as other identificationmethods and systems may be cost prohibitive. Such labels having printedbarcodes are often damaged and/or destroyed during use of the medicaldevice and due to cleaning solvents. As such, a barcode may beobliterated or rendered unreadable due to tearing, ripping, smudging,and peeling-up of label edges, for example. Further, a label including abarcode may be removed from a medical device when a surface of themedical device to which it has been affixed is removed and/or replacedwith a new surface (e.g., a replacement part). The removal and loss ofthe label including a barcode may go unnoticed. In each of the scenariosdescribed, regeneration of the same, unique barcode or creation andentry a completely new, unique barcode is needed, the process of whichis time consuming and inconvenient for busy clinicians.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device having aprotective window integrated with a faceplate. In embodiments, thedevice includes a machine-readable identifier adapted to be affixed toan interior surface of a housing of a medical device. Themachine-readable identifier encodes medical-device identifyinginformation to enable tracking the medical device corresponding to thehousing, in some embodiments. In embodiments, the device furtherincludes a faceplate having an interior surface, an exterior surface,and an opening for housing a window. The faceplate may be configured tobe affixed to the housing of the medical device, in embodiments. And thedevice includes a window. In embodiments, when the faceplate is affixedto the housing, the window overlays at least a portion of themachine-readable identifier such that the at least a portion of themachine-readable identifier is visible at the exterior surface of thefaceplate.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device having aprotective window integrated with a faceplate. In embodiments, thedevice includes a machine-readable identifier adapted to be affixed toan interior surface of a housing of a medical device, wherein themachine-readable identifier visually encodes medical-device identifyinginformation to enable tracking the medical device corresponding to thehousing and to associate the medical device with an electronic medicalrecord. The device includes, in embodiments, a faceplate having aninterior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening for housing awindow, the faceplate configured to be removeably affixed to the housingof the medical device. In embodiments, the device includes a window. Inembodiments, when the faceplate is removeably affixed to the housing,the window overlays at least a portion of the machine-readableidentifier such that the at least a portion of the machine-readableidentifier is visible at the exterior surface of the faceplate, andencloses the machine-readable identifier between the interior surface ofthe faceplate and the interior surface of the housing of the medicaldevice.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device having a visualsignifier to aid in locating an identification tag as integrated with afaceplate for a medical device. In embodiments, the device includes anidentifier affixed to an interior surface of a faceplate correspondingto a medical device. The identifier encodes medical-device-identifyinginformation to enable tracking of the medical device, in someembodiments. Additionally or alternatively, the identifier encodesidentifying information to enable forming an association of the medicaldevice corresponding to the faceplate with an electronic medical record,in some embodiments. The device further includes a visual signifierpositioned on an exterior surface of the faceplate, in embodiments. Insome embodiments, the visual signifier is configured to visuallycommunicate the location of the identifier affixed to the interiorsurface of the faceplate. And in further embodiments, the position ofthe visual signifier on the exterior surface corresponds to the locationof the identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attacheddrawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary medical device including a faceplate, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a right perspective detail view of the exemplary medicaldevice including the faceplate shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary medical deviceincluding the faceplate shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an exterior surface of an exemplary faceplatefor a medical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an interior surface of the exemplary faceplateof FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is an illustrative flow diagram of an exemplary method forutilizing a machine-readable identifier, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent.Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject mattermight also be embodied in other ways, to include different components,combinations of components, steps, or combinations of steps similar tothose described in this document, in conjunction with other present orfuture technologies.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a windowimplemented with or integrated into a faceplate of a medical device,such as an infusion pump, for example. The window enables a clinician toclearly view and/or read a machine-readable medical-device identifier,such as a barcode, for example, without needing to remove the faceplateor search to locate the machine-readable medical-device identifierelsewhere on the medical device (e.g., a non-visible surface of thehousing of the medical device, or the back exterior surface of thehousing of the medical device). In this way, the window protects themachine-readable identifier from spills, scratches, tearing, smudging,and/or peeling (e.g., turned up edges of an adhesive-backed labelincluding said identifier) caused by use, cleaning, and maintenance ofthe medical device and/or a corresponding faceplate.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an exemplary medical device having afaceplate, with which embodiments of the present invention may beimplemented, is illustrated and designated generally as referencenumeral 100. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that the illustrated medical device 100 is merely anexample of one suitable medical device and is not intended to suggestany limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention.Neither should the medical device 100 be interpreted as having anydependency or requirement relating to any single component orcombination of components illustrated therein.

Embodiments of the present invention may be operational with numerousother general purpose or special purpose medical devices. The medicaldevice 100 may be any device, stationary or otherwise, that may be usedto treat a patient in a clinical setting, such as a hospital, a healthcare clinic, a doctor's office, a blood drive, etc. For exemplarypurposes only and not limitation, medical devices may include fetalheart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, uterine pressure andcontraction activity monitors, blood oxygen saturation monitors,maternal heart rate monitors, other monitors, ventilators, pumps (e.g.,balloon pumps), a patient's bed, sequential compression devices,electronic security devices, and the like. In further embodiments, thepresent invention may be implemented for use with medical devices havinghighly sensitive patient monitoring capabilities and/or highly accuratetreatment-delivery mechanisms. Commonly referred to as “smart” medicaldevices, such medical devices typically interface with computinghardware and software that may be employed to control, adjust, andtailor performance of one or more functions of said medical devices andany auxiliary components or devices coupled thereto. Accordingly, smartmedical devices may generally be connected to a wireless network so asto provide real-time, continuous, and intelligent care delivery, unlikemore passive medical devices of the past. Examples of smart medicaldevices that may be suitable for use with the present invention include,by way of example only, pumps (e.g., infusion), end title carbon dioxide(EtCO₂) modules, and other sophisticated and technology-driven devices.

In a clinical setting, the management and treatment of a single patientmay command the use of a plurality of medical devices for monitoringphysiological responses, delivering therapeutic agents (e.g.,pharmaceuticals, fluids), and the like. In order to deliver superiorhealth care to patients, a large number and variety of medical devicesmay be utilized and employed. In addition to manual maintenance (e.g.,on moving parts) performed on medical devices, smart medical devices inparticular may utilize software and/or hardware-based maintenance, suchas the download of a firmware update, for example.

Turning to FIG. 2, it depicts a right perspective view of the exemplarymedical device 100 including the faceplate 102 shown in FIG. 1, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The faceplate102 is a component that generally provides a user interface (e.g.,buttons, knobs) for interacting with the medical device 100.Accordingly, the faceplate 102 is configured to be affixed to thehousing 104 of the medical device 100. In some embodiments, thefaceplate 102 is adapted to be removeably affixed to the medical device100 (e.g., housing 104) such that the faceplate 102 may stay securely inplace during use and transport of the medical device 100, but such thatthe faceplate 102 may also be removed should the faceplate 102 need tobe replaced and/or repaired. In general, the faceplate is removeablyaffixed, meaning that the faceplate is configured to be affixed to themedical device 100 and configured to be removed from the medical device100 without damaging the faceplate, for example. The faceplate 102includes an interior surface (not shown) and an exterior surface 106.The exterior surface 106 may be outward and/or upward facing withrespect to the internal components of a medical device 100, and as such,a clinician may easily access and view the exterior surface 106 of thefaceplate 102 when a clinician is in a standing position at the bedsideof a patient, for example. The faceplate 102 serves to provideinformation to a clinician and enable the clinician to control, program,and/or otherwise operate the medical device using buttons, knobs, dials,and the like. The faceplate 102 may protect a graphical user interface(GUI) 108 such as a touchscreen display. A GUI may include a monitor,computer screen, project device, or other hardware device for displayingoutput capable of displaying graphical user interfaces. The faceplate102 provides a clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance while coveringat least a portion of the medical device 100, including internalcomponents and/or a GUI 108, in some embodiments. The faceplate 102 mayfurther protect the medical device and components therein from spills,splashes, cleaning solvents, scratches, and impacts.

In embodiments, the faceplate 102 includes an opening 110 for housing awindow 112. The opening 110 is adapted to receive at least a portion ofa window 112, in embodiments. The opening 110 may further be adapted tosecurely retain at least a portion of a window 112 inserted orpositioned therein. Generally, the opening 110 may be similar or thesame in size and shape as a window 112 adapted for said opening 110. Infurther embodiments, the position and dimensions of a first opening 110correspond to the position and dimensions of a first window (e.g., 112)and the machine-readable identifier 118, while the position anddimensions of a second opening (e.g., opening 114) correspond to theposition and dimensions of a second window (e.g., window 116) furthercorresponding to the GUI 108 of a medical device 100.

In embodiments, window 112 is adapted to be secured to the faceplate 102so as to span opening 110 completely or at least partially. In someembodiments, window 112 is adapted to be integrated into opening 110.The window 112 is at least semi-transparent, in embodiments. In someembodiments, the window 112 comprises one or more materials that aresemi-transparent or transparent. The window 112 provides visibility viathe opening 110 of the faceplate 102 from the exterior surface 106 ofthe faceplate 102. As such, the window 112 may be positioned so that amachine-readable identifier 118 is visible when the faceplate 102, asaffixed to the exemplary medical device 100, is viewed from the exteriorsurface 106 of the faceplate 102.

In some embodiments, the medical device 100 may need refurbishment orreplacement of parts, such as the faceplate 102 that fits onto thehousing 104 of the medical device 100. The faceplate 102 may include aplurality of objects 120 for user interaction. In embodiments, thefaceplate 102 may include one or more of the following objects forcontrolling, programming, and adjusting configurations and functions ofthe medical device: a GUI (e.g., 108), I/O components, physical buttons,virtual buttons, switches, dials, knobs, a keyboard, and the like, forexample. The plurality of objects 120 may be manipulated by a user, suchas a clinician, in order to use the medical device 100 to provide healthcare services to a patient. Over time, one or more of the plurality ofobjects 120 may wear out from use, such that at least one of the objects120 may be unresponsive when depressed, may necessitate the use of extraforce to elicit the desired response (e.g., selection of an optionindicated on the GUI 108, increasing an amount to be dispensed by amedical device, setting a flow rate), or may necessitate the use severaldepressions to register a single depression that elicits a response.This makes interaction with the medical device 100 an inconvenience andan annoyance for clinicians. At such a time, any worn-out,malfunctioning, and/or poorly operating objects of the faceplate 102 maybe replaced to restore fully functioning interactive objects to themedical device 100.

A machine-readable identifier 118, such as a barcode for example, may bevisible at the faceplate 102, in some embodiments. Exemplarymachine-readable identifiers include a one-dimensional barcode (e.g., aCodabar), a two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a quick response (QR) code),and the like. The machine-readable identifier 118 may encodemedical-device specific information, such as an identifier that isunique to a single medical device such that the medical device may bedifferentiated from other same or similar medical devices.

The machine-readable identifier 118 may be used to enable tracking of aparticular medical device, including the use, function, repair, andstorage of said medical device, in a clinical setting, for example. Themachine-readable identifier 118 may be utilized in any number of usefulways. For instance, using a machine, such as a barcode scanner, forexample, the machine-readable identifier 118 may be scanned andinformation encoded therein or linked to therein may be “read” by abarcode scanner for example, or processed to locate informationcorresponding to the machine-readable identifier 118.

Exemplary machines for reading the machine-readable identifier 118 mayinclude a barcode scanner, a camera, a sensor, and other devices havingI/O components and software for processing the information stored in,associated with, or linked to the machine-readable identifier 118. Themedical device 100 and faceplate 102 corresponding to themachine-readable identifier 118 may be associated with other informationaccessed, selected, scanned, or otherwise read immediately prior to orimmediately after the machine-readable identifier 118 has been read, insome embodiments. For example, a patient-identifying wristlet may bescanned, followed by a scan of an intravenous (IV) fluid to beadministered to the patient, and further followed by a scan of themachine-readable identifier 118 of the medical device 100, which is tobe used to administer the scanned IV fluid to the patient having thescanned wristlet. In such an embodiment, detailed and identifyinginformation for each of the medical device 100, the IV fluid, and thepatient may be electronically linked in an electronic medical record(EMR), for example. The machine-readable identifier 118 may, in someembodiments, enable the particular medical device 100 corresponding tothe scanned machine-readable identifier 118 to become associated with anidentified patient, an EMR corresponding to the particular identifiedpatient, and/or with a particular instance of administration of atherapeutic agent, for example.

As utilized herein, the acronym “EMR” is not meant to be limiting, andmay broadly refer to any or all aspects of the patient's medical recordrendered in a digital format. Generally, the EMR is supported by systemsconfigured to coordinate the storage and retrieval of individual recordswith the aid of computing devices. As such, a variety of types of healthcare related information may be stored and accessed in this way. By wayof example, the EMR may store one or more of the following types ofinformation: patient demographic; medical history (e.g., examination andprogress reports of health and illnesses); medicine and allergylists/immunization status; laboratory test results, radiology images(e.g., X-rays, CTs, MRIs, etc.); evidence-based recommendations forspecific medical conditions; a record of appointments and physician'snotes; billing records; and data received from an associated medicaldevice. Accordingly, systems that employ EMRs reduce medical errors,increase physician efficiency, and reduce costs, as well as promotestandardization of health care.

In embodiments, upon reading the machine-readable identifier 118, themedical device 100 and faceplate 102 corresponding therewith may becomeassociated with a maintenance order, for example, a work order toreplace the faceplate 102, swap the faceplate 102, purchase a newfaceplate, or other action regarding the medical device 100 and/orfaceplate 102. In another embodiment, the machine-readable identifier118 may be read to electronically record the status of a maintenanceorder, for example, to document a time, date, and/or locationcorresponding to when repair work is initiated, is in progress, isdelayed for a part shipment, and/or has been completed. In yet anotherembodiment, upon reading a machine-readable identifier 118, the medicaldevice 100 and faceplate 102 corresponding therewith may be counted aspart of an inventory check, such as placement of the medical device 100into storage (e.g., when the medical device 100 is not to be used) orremoving the medical device 100 from storage (e.g., when the medicaldevice 100 is planned to be used).

Due to the position of the machine-readable identifier 118 on thefaceplate 102, said machine-readable identifier 118 may be lost due tofaceplate 102 replacement, removed accidently by peeling, or otherwiseobliterated by cleaning solvents and other wear and tear. To circumventthis, the machine-readable identifier 118 may be placed elsewhere on themedical device 100 in other embodiments. However, this makes locatingthe machine-readable identifier 118 difficult for a clinician, andfurther may make reading the machine-readable identifier 118 unwieldy,depending on the final placement of the machine-readable identifier 118on a surface of the medical device 100.

As depicted in FIG. 2, a machine-readable identifier 118 is visible atthe exterior surface 106 of the faceplate 102. The machine-readableidentifier 118 may be adapted to be affixed to an interior surface of ahousing 104 of a medical device 100. For example, the machine-readableidentifier 118 may be included on an adhesive-backed label that may beaffixed to an interior surface of the housing 104 of the medical device100. As referred to herein, an interior surface of the medical devicehousing refers to a surface of the medical device 100 that may be, atleast, partially covered or contacted by the faceplate 102 affixedthereon in embodiments. In some embodiments, the interior surface of themedical device housing 104 is a surface of the housing 104 that isadapted to contact and/or receive at least a portion of an interiorsurface (not shown in FIG. 2) of the faceplate 102 and/or attachmentmeans thereon. Accordingly, the machine-readable identifier 118 may bepositioned at or on the interior surface of the housing 104 such thatthe position and at least one dimension (e.g., size, width, shape) ofthe machine-readable identifier 118 may be similar to the position andat least one dimension of the window 112 that may be housed in theopening 110 of the faceplate 102. For example, the length of amachine-readable identifier 118 may be the same as or similar to thelength of the opening 110 and/or the window 112. In another example, thelength and width of the machine-readable identifier 118 may be the sameas or similar to the length and width of the opening 110 and/or thewindow 112. In such exemplary embodiments, one or more dimensions and/ora position of the machine-readable identifier 118 may, at least,partially align with one or more dimensions and/or a position of thewindow 112 when the faceplate 102 is affixed to the housing 104. Assuch, when the faceplate 102 may be affixed to the housing 104, themachine-readable identifier 118 appears to be aligned with the window112 such that a clinician has a clear line-of-sight of themachine-readable identifier 118 from the exterior surface 106 of thefaceplate 102.

Turning now to FIG. 3, it depicts an exploded view of the exemplarymedical device 100 including a faceplate 102 shown in FIG. 1, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustratedin FIG. 3, the position of the machine-readable identifier 118 and theposition of the window 112 may at least partially align with oneanother. In further embodiments, at least one window (e.g., window 112)overlays at least a portion of the machine-readable identifier 118 sothat the at least a portion of the machine-readable identifier 118 isvisible at the exterior surface 106 of the faceplate 102. Additionally,the window 112 shown as positioned in opening 110 provides protection tothe machine-readable identifier 118, such that the machine-readableidentifier 118 may be enclosed between the interior surface of thefaceplate 102 and the interior surface 122 of the housing 104 of themedical device 100. Similarly, a second window (e.g., window 116) shownpositioned in second opening 114 provides protection to the GUI 108 of amedical device 100.

Although the faceplate 102 depicted in FIG. 3 appears to fit snugly intothe housing 104 of the medical device 100, it will be understood bythose in the art that other configurations are considered to be withinthe scope of the invention. For example, the faceplate 102 may fit ontothe housing 104, rather than into the housing 104. In another example,the faceplate 102 may fit over the housing 104. Any number of variationsfor attaching the faceplate 102 to the housing 102 is considered to bewithin the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, it illustrates a perspective view of faceplate 202for an exemplary medical device 200. The faceplate 202 is coupled to ahousing 204 of the medical device 200, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 4. The faceplate 202 includes an exterior surface 206. The exteriorsurface 206, generally, is outward and/or upward facing with respect tointernal components of the medical device 200, and as such, a clinicianmay easily access and view the exterior surface 206 of the faceplate 202when a clinician is in a standing position at the bedside of a patient,for example. The faceplate 202 serves to provide information to aclinician and enable the clinician to control, program, and/or otherwiseoperate the medical device 200 using buttons, knobs, dials, and thelike. The faceplate 202 may protect a GUI 208, such as a touchscreendisplay, for example.

The exterior surface 206 further includes a visual signifier 210. Thevisual signifier 210 is configured to visually communicate the locationof an identifier affixed to an interior surface of the faceplate 202. Insome embodiments, the identifier is an RFID-emitting device (e.g., a tagor a chip) that may be affixed to an interior surface of the faceplate202. In another embodiment, the identifier is adapted for use in areal-time locating system (RTLS), wherein real-time as used herein mayinclude latency inherent to computing systems. As used herein, visuallycommunicate refers to the capability to communicate a message to a user,such as a clinician for example, visually. A visual signifier 210, asused herein, refers to text, a symbol, an icon, a graphic, orcombination thereof that may be associated with a message or function.For example, an exclamation point centered within a triangular shape isa symbol that may be recognized by a user as communicating “caution.”

In another example, a small circle having three concentric circlesegments radiating upward the outward from the small circle andgraduating in size may be recognized by a user as communicating Wi-Fifunctionality. The visual signifier 210 may also include color tocommunicate a desired message or functionality. For example, ared-colored letter “X” may be recognized to communicate a cancellationfunction or a stop function. The size of the visual signifier 210 may beused to communicate information as well. For instance, the visualsignifier 210 may have a size and dimensions that are the same as orsimilar to the size and dimensions (e.g., a “footprint”) of an RFIDdevice, such that the visual signifier 210 indicates an area where anRFID-reading device may be placed at or near the exterior surface 206for reading the RFID device at or near the interior surface. In anotherembodiment, the visual signifier 210 may not similar in size and/ordimension (e.g., a “footprint”) of a device (e.g., a tag) adapted foruser in a real-time location system (RTLS), such that the visualsignifier 210 indicates that said device is associated with thefaceplate 202. In another example, a device (e.g., tag adapted for usein a RTLS) may be found without requiring a locating device to be placedat or near the exterior surface 206, for example.

In another example, the visual signifier 210 may incorporate a light,such as an LED for example, as part of the visual signifier 210 in orderto draw a user's eye to the area of the visual signifier 210 aspositioned on the exterior surface 206 of the faceplate 202. Inembodiments, the position of the visual signifier 210 on or at theexterior surface 206 of the faceplate 202 corresponds to a location ofthe RFID device. As such, a clinician may position an RFID-readingdevice close to or near the visual signifier 210 in order to read anRFID device located therein. In some embodiments, a passive RFID devicerequires an RFID-reading device to be within a defined distance orproximity to the RFID device in order to trigger an emission of an RFIDfrom the RFID device.

Referring to FIG. 5, it illustrates a perspective view of the exemplaryfaceplate 202 of FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. As illustrated, the faceplate 202 includes an interiorsurface 212. The interior surface 212 of the faceplate 202 includes atleast one portion 214 adapted to receive a device for tracking, such asa “tag” or chip adapted for use with RFID systems or RTLS (not shown).The interior surface 212 of the faceplate 202 may include one or moreedges 216 that form a perimeter of the at least one portion 214 of theinterior surface 212. In some embodiments, the at least one portion 214is recessed. As such, the device for tracking may be inserted into saidrecess created by the portion 214. The one or more edges 216 may aid insecuring a device for tracking therein. In embodiments, the interiorsurface of the faceplate includes attachment means for receiving thedevice for tracking and retaining the device for tracking therein.

Turning to FIG. 6, it illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method600 for utilizing a machine-readable identifier, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. At block 602, the method 600includes receiving an indication of a first machine-readable identifier.In some embodiments, the first machine-readable identifier may beaffixed to an interior surface of a housing of a medical device. Thefirst machine-readable identifier may be affixed to an interior surfaceof a faceplate, in other embodiments. Generally, the firstmachine-readable identifier is usable to identify and distinguish themedical device from other medical devices. In one embodiment, the firstmachine-readable identifier is a barcode visible through a window of afaceplate of a medical device. In some embodiments, the firstmachine-readable identifier that includes a barcode is read using ascanning device.

In another embodiment, the first machine-readable identifier is a RFIDthat is not visible at the exterior surface of a faceplate of a medicaldevice. In some embodiments, the first machine-readable identifier thatincludes an RFID (e.g., a near field communication identifier tag) isread by a capable device. An RFID may be passive or active, such that apassive RFID is not coupled to a power source (e.g., passive RFID may bepowered by an electromagnetic field generated by the RFID reader),whereas an active RFID is coupled to a power source (e.g., a battery).In further embodiments, the first machine-readable identifier includesone or more of a barcode and an RFID, such that a scanning device and oran RFID-reading device may be used to identify the medical device.

In another embodiment, the first machine-readable identifier is a tagadapted for use in an RTLS that is not visible at the exterior surfaceof a faceplate of a medical device. In some embodiments, the firstmachine-readable identifier that includes a tag adapted for use in anRTLS is read or located by a capable device. In further embodiments, thefirst machine-readable identifier includes one or more of a barcode anda tag adapted for use in an RTLS, such that a locating device and orreading device may be used to identify the medical device

At block 604, the method 600 includes receiving an indication of asecond machine-readable identifier that is not the same as the firstmachine-readable identifier, wherein the second machine-readableidentifier is usable to identify an electronic medical record of apatient. Next, the medical device and the EMR of the patient areassociated with one another, shown at block 606. The firstmachine-readable identifier corresponding to the medical device may beassociated with and/or linked to the second machine-readable identifiercorresponding to the patient. Then at block 608, the association of themedical device and the EMR is stored. The association of the medicaldevice and the EMR may be stored in a local database, a centralizeddatabase, or both, for redundancy. Similarly, in embodiments, anassociation of a first machine-readable identifier corresponding to themedical device and a second machine-readable identifier corresponding tothe EMR may be stored. It will be understood by those in the art thatthe method 600 may be practiced utilizing exemplary device 200, forexample.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of our technology have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative means of implementing theaforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of theclaims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility andmay be employed without reference to other features and subcombinationsand are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device having a protective windowintegrated with a faceplate, the device comprising: a machine-readableidentifier adapted to be affixed to an interior surface of a housing ofa medical device, wherein the machine-readable identifier encodesmedical-device identifying information to enable tracking the medicaldevice corresponding to the housing; and a faceplate having an interiorsurface, an exterior surface, and an opening for housing a window, thefaceplate configured to be affixed to the housing of the medical device.2. The device of claim 1, wherein a position and at least one dimensionof the opening corresponds to a position and at least one dimension ofthe machine-readable identifier when the faceplate is affixed to thehousing.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one dimension of thefaceplate corresponds to at least one dimension of the housing.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the faceplate is further configured toenclose at least a quarter of the interior surface of the housing of themedical device when the faceplate is affixed to the housing.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a window, wherein when thefaceplate is affixed to the housing, and wherein the window overlays atleast a portion of the machine-readable identifier such that the atleast a portion of the machine-readable identifier is visible at theexterior surface of the faceplate.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein aposition and at least one dimension of the opening corresponds to aposition and at least one dimension of the window.
 7. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the window comprises one or more materials that are atleast semi-transparent.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein themachine-readable identifier further encodes operating specifications ofthe medical device.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein themachine-readable identifier includes one or more of a one-dimensionalbarcode and a two-dimensional barcode.
 10. The device of claim 1,wherein the machine-readable identifier further encodes clinicalfacility identifying information to enable tracking the medical devicecorresponding to the housing.
 11. A device having a protective windowintegrated with a faceplate, the device comprising: a machine-readableidentifier adapted to be affixed to an interior surface of a housing ofa medical device, wherein the machine-readable identifier visuallyencodes medical-device identifying information to enable tracking themedical device corresponding to the housing and to associate the medicaldevice with an electronic medical record; and a faceplate having aninterior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening for housing awindow, the faceplate configured to be removeably affixed to the housingof the medical device.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein themachine-readable identifier includes one or more of a one-dimensionalbarcode and a two-dimensional barcode.
 13. The device of claim 11,wherein the machine-readable identifier further encodes clinicalfacility identifying information to enable tracking the medical devicecorresponding to the housing.
 14. The device of claim 11, wherein aposition and at least one dimension of the opening corresponds to aposition and at least one dimension of the machine-readable identifierwhen the faceplate is removeably affixed to the housing.
 15. The deviceof claim 11, wherein the housing is configured to receive and retain thefaceplate thereby facilitating affixing the faceplate to the housing.16. The device of claim 11, further comprising a window, wherein whenthe faceplate is removeably affixed to the housing, the window: overlaysat least a portion of the machine-readable identifier such that the atleast a portion of the machine-readable identifier is visible at theexterior surface of the faceplate, and encloses the machine-readableidentifier between the interior surface of the faceplate and theinterior surface of the housing of the medical device.
 17. The device ofclaim 16, wherein a position and at least one dimension of the openingcorresponds to a position and at least one dimension of the window. 18.The device of claim 16, wherein the window comprises one or morematerials that are at least semi-transparent.
 19. A device having avisual signifier to aid in locating an identification tag as integratedwith a faceplate for a medical device, the device comprising: anidentifier affixed to an interior surface of a faceplate correspondingto a medical device, wherein the identifier encodes identifyinginformation to enable tracking of the medical device and the forming ofan association between the medical device and an electronic medicalrecord; a visual signifier positioned on an exterior surface of thefaceplate, the visual signifier configured to visually communicate thelocation of the identifier affixed to the interior surface of thefaceplate, wherein the position of the visual signifier on the exteriorsurface of the faceplate corresponds to the location of the identifieraffixed to the interior surface of the faceplate such that the visualsignifier visually communicates a location where a user may position areading device in order to read the identifier.
 20. The device of claim19, wherein the device further includes a battery configured to powerthe identifier, and wherein the identifier is adapted for use in areal-time location system (RTLS).